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Kathy, (aka "Bessie"), and I began our beekeeping experience in the fall of 2008, when we began a year-long course in beekeeping through the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We got our first package of bees in April of 2009. At the suggestion of our daughter, Jessica, we are logging our beekeeping experience. Hope you find it interesting. It has been interesting, rewarding and entertaining for us as well.

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Hi. I know it's been awhile since my last post. It is a very warm February 17th, with possible record highs around 70. Unusual winter weather is now the new normal. It has been well above normal for a week and will continue well into next week. Bees have been flying like crazy looking for anything. I did put some pollen substitute out in the feeder, with some reluctance since it is a bit early. Then again, a couple years ago when I checked in February queens had been busy laying so it probably is time. Unfortunately that year, we had a very late (early March) sub-zero temperature overnight and the hive, totally out of cluster, froze out. So, fingers are crossed.
I have 3 hives currently, two of which for sure went into the winter with queens. The third either was queenless or she just stopped laying. Hoping for the latter. We will see. I still have the winter wraps on and will continue to do that until March for sure.
We made winter patties and the bees have hardly tou…